Picture: Tshwane A and Johannesburg A in action during the Telkom Netball Championship at DF Malan, Cape Town/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
11 July 2025- Tshwane A clinched the 5th edition of the Telkom Netball Championship after defeating Johannesburg A 36-26 in a pulsating U19 final held in Bellville, Cape Town. During the pool matches, Tshwane narrowly lost to Johannesburg with a score of 30-27 on a rainy day in the Mother City, but they made a strong comeback to win the final. Johannesburg went into the tie as favourites, but a third-quarter surge by Tshwane ultimately secured their victory.
Tshwane A, under the tutelage of Amanda Mynhardt, retained the title they won last year when they beat Cape Wineland. Mynhardt praised the TNC initiative, describing it as one of the most amazing platforms for young people.
“The week here at the TNC was just amazing. We had a great team, but it was also very young and inexperienced. They were never the favourites to win this tournament.
“I think they just showed up this week and they played together as a unit. The TNC remains one of the most amazing platforms for the youngsters,” she said.
Mynhardt further said her charges executed the game plan to perfection. She added that the age they are at, it’s hard to stick to the game plan, but for her, it’s the intellect of these players that was really surprising and how they stuck to what they wanted to do today.
Despite being on the losing side, Johannesburg A’s coach, Adine Adriaanse, expressed her excitement about the tournament’s success. Adriaanse praised the excellent organisation, highlighting that the wellness, safety and health of the players were prioritised.
“We express gratitude for providing a platform, where these talented players can showcase their skills. I think the week in Cape Town was well arranged. You got the sense that the health and safety of players was prioritised.
“The accommodation was outstanding. I’m glad for girls’ sport, we’re doing so much and going the extra mile,” she said.
Regarding the team’s performance in the final, Adriaanse said they were outstanding, despite the fact that they entered the tournament as complete strangers.
“It was outstanding, coming together as a team, not knowing each other. We knew the final would be tough…well done to Tshwane. It was an exceptional experience. The vibe was something magical,” she said.
Meanwhile, this year, the five-day tournament attracted 95 teams, up from 88 last year, indicating its growing popularity. The tournament also featured guest teams from Namibia competing in the U17 and U18 age categories.
A national U17 team has been selected to represent South Africa at the upcoming Confederation of School Sport Associations of Southern Africa (COSSASA) Games in August, which will take place in Eswatini.
U/19 INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:
Best Shooter: Kabura Abubakar – Johannesburg
Best Mid Court Player: Jade Atkins – Tshwane
Best Defender: Amia Roux – Dr Kenneth Kaunda
Player of the Tournament: Boitumelo Mokoena – Johannesburg
The Guardian 